Landscaping Business Permit Requirements in El Paso, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a landscaping business in El Paso, El Paso County, Texas.

Updated 2026-03-13 8 stops $50–$600 est. 2–8 weeks depending on services offered
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

2 stops

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Apply free and instantly online through the IRS website.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

  2. EPA Pesticide Worker Protection Standards (if applying pesticides)

    Landscaping businesses in El Paso that apply EPA-registered pesticides must comply with the EPA Worker Protection Standard (WPS) under FIFRA. This requires maintaining Safety Data Sheets for all chemicals used, proper labeling, and providing employee training. There is no permit fee — this is a regulatory compliance requirement.

    Official government source

    Free (compliance requirement, no permit fee)Ongoing compliance

State of Texas

4 stops

  1. Texas Sales Tax Permit

    Landscaping services — including lawn care, mowing, tree trimming, land clearing, and planting — are taxable services in Texas. All landscaping businesses operating in El Paso must obtain a Texas Sales Tax Permit from the Texas Comptroller to collect and remit sales tax on their services. Register free through the Texas Comptroller's online WebFile system.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

  2. Texas Department of Agriculture — Commercial Pesticide Applicator License (if applying pesticides)

    El Paso landscaping businesses that apply pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers for hire must obtain a Commercial Pesticide Applicator License from the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) in the appropriate category (3A for Lawn and Ornamental). Requires passing a TDA exam and annual license renewal. Businesses that only mow lawns without applying any pesticide products are exempt.

    Official government source

    $200/year license fee + $64 exam fee4–8 weeks

  3. TCEQ Landscape Irrigator License (if installing irrigation systems)

    Anyone who sells, designs, installs, maintains, alters, repairs, or inspects irrigation systems in Texas must be licensed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). This applies to El Paso landscaping businesses that offer irrigation installation or repair as part of their services. Requires completing a TCEQ-approved course and passing the licensing exam.

    Official government source

    $111 renewal fee; initial application fee is comparable4–8 weeks

  4. Texas Department of Agriculture — Nursery/Floral Certificate (if selling or installing plants)

    Landscaping contractors who purchase plants for resale or installation at customer sites must obtain a Class 1 Nursery/Floral Certificate from the Texas Department of Agriculture. This applies to El Paso landscapers who supply and install trees, shrubs, or other plant material as part of their services.

    Official government source

    $75/year (Class 1)2–4 weeks

City of El Paso / El Paso County

2 stops

  1. City of El Paso Contractor Registration

    Landscaping contractors performing certain construction-related work in El Paso — including grading, irrigation installation, or hardscape construction — may be required to register as a contractor with the City of El Paso Planning and Inspections Department. General lawn maintenance businesses that do not perform construction work typically do not need contractor registration. Contact the city's One Stop Shop at 811 Texas Ave., El Paso, TX 79901 or call (915) 212-0105 to confirm requirements for your specific scope of work.

    Official government source

    Contact city for current fee schedule1–2 weeks

  2. El Paso County Assumed Name (DBA) Certificate

    If your landscaping business operates under a trade name other than your legal name (e.g., 'El Paso Green Pros'), file an Assumed Name Certificate with the El Paso County Clerk. The certificate is valid for 10 years. File in person at the El Paso County Courthouse or by mail. Expedited processing (1–2 business days) is available for an additional $25.

    Official government source

    $20–$25 (first signer)Same day (in person) to 1 week (by mail)

Terminus

Open for business — est. $50–$600 · 2–8 weeks depending on services offered

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